Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR K) proposes allowing either Michigan legislative house to suspend a member's salary or expense allowance by a two-thirds vote when the member acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular sessions. It amends Article IV, Sections 12 and 16 of the state constitution to establish this process, requiring the house to document the suspension reason in its journal with voting records. The change directly affects state legislators who face disciplinary action for misconduct or attendance issues. If approved, this would give legislative bodies a formal mechanism to withhold compensation for specific violations, rather than relying solely on expulsion.

Maddy summaryHB 4081 allows counties and municipalities in Michigan to set higher limits than the current state cap on the number of separate land parcels created when dividing a single property. It amends state law (MCL 560.108) that previously limited most land divisions to 12 parcels. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by giving communities more flexibility to manage land use and development density. This change removes the state-imposed cap, enabling local authorities to establish their own parcel limits based on community needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4721 creates tax credits for biodiesel sales and production in Michigan, effective 2025-2030. Retail fuel dealers receive credits of $0.02-$0.07 per gallon for selling biodiesel blends (6-9%, 10-19%, or 20%+), while biodiesel producers get $0.02 per gallon. Total credits are capped at $16 million annually for retailers and $2 million for producers, with excess claims distributed proportionally. The bill directly affects Michigan fuel retailers and biodiesel producers by reducing their income tax liability based on specific blend volumes sold or produced.

Maddy summaryHB 4712 creates a new program through which the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid toward Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental coverage. The program allows the department to award grants to qualifying members who apply using a department-provided form, covering premiums for these specific health plans. It directly affects Guard members who are not on active duty and lack other employer or private health insurance. The bill establishes the framework for administering these reimbursements but does not specify funding amounts or application deadlines.

Maddy summaryHB 4722 creates tax credits to incentivize biodiesel use in Michigan. Retail fuel dealers selling biodiesel blends (6-9% at $0.02/gal, 10-19% at $0.05/gal, 20%+ at $0.07/gal) can claim credits, while biodiesel producers get $0.02 per gallon produced. Credits apply for tax years 2025-2030, with a $16 million total cap for retailers and a $2 million cap for producers. This directly affects Michigan fuel retailers and biodiesel manufacturers by reducing their income tax liability for qualifying sales and production.

Maddy summaryHB 4683 requires Michigan health insurers to cover medically necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatments (including inpatient, intermediate, and outpatient care) without restrictive prior authorization practices. It mandates that insurers use clinical review criteria aligned with generally accepted medical standards, rather than arbitrary rules, when evaluating these services. The bill also prohibits insurers from making mental health coverage terms less favorable than those for other medical treatments. This directly affects health insurers operating in Michigan and patients seeking mental health or substance use disorder care through their insurance plans.

Maddy summaryHB 4263 prohibits sellers from using automated programs to bypass purchase limits during online ticket sales for concerts, sports events, and other public entertainment events requiring admission fees. It bans circumventing security systems that enforce ticket limits, electronic queues, or fraud checks, targeting practices like bot-driven bulk purchases. The law directly affects ticket sellers (who must implement these security measures) and buyers attempting to use automated tools to bypass restrictions. This creates new requirements for online ticket sales to ensure fair access to event tickets.

Maddy summaryHB 4367 creates Michigan's "Purple Star School Program" to support military-connected students in public schools. It requires schools to designate a military liaison, maintain an easily accessible website with relocation and support resources, implement transition programs for military-connected students, provide staff training, and offer at least one community initiative like monthly recognition or military partnerships. The program applies to all public schools serving military-connected pupils, defined as students whose families include active/reserve military members or those who lost a service member in action. Schools must meet all these requirements to earn the "Purple Star" designation by 2026. The law aims to improve support systems for military-connected students through concrete, school-level actions.

Maddy summaryHB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the Michigan Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in the 35th Senate District, which has been unfilled since January 3, 2025. The vacancy occurred after Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to take a U.S. Congressional seat, as required by Michigan law (MCL 168.178). The resolution cites the state constitution and election law, which mandate the Governor issue writs to fill legislative vacancies. It directly affects hundreds of thousands of residents in the 35th District who currently lack representation in the state Senate.